Governor Larry Hogan recently announced the appointment of John S. Butler, Chief of the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) to the Maryland Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Board.

According to a Howard County press release:

“The governor has made an outstanding appointment.  Chief Butler is an innovative leader and listener here in Howard County and will share what ambulance-riding responders would want the Board to know,” said Kittleman. “He is highly regarded by fire service leaders throughout the country and by the men and women who serve in the County’s combination fire and EMS system.”

Chief Butler served as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), paramedic, operational field supervisor, emergency services educator, and tactical medic for Howard County before Kittleman selected him to lead the Department.  He maintains his para-medicine affiliation for the department.

“I’m honored to be able to make a difference for Maryland EMS providers,” said Butler. “As a fire chief and an EMS provider, I am listening and aware of some challenges that EMT firefighters and paramedics are experiencing.  I’m humbled to be a part of an already hard-working EMS Board and hope to contribute new ideas and perspectives.”

Created in 1993, the Board develops and implements an emergency medical system plan for Maryland. The plan defines criteria for designating trauma facilities; guidelines for emergency medical services; improved communications and transportation; public information and education programs; and a system to evaluate emergency care in Maryland.

The 11-member Board also governs the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS), an independent, executive-level agency responsible for the coordination of all emergency medical services.  By law, the Maryland EMS Board must meet at least six times per year and has the authority to appoint an Executive Director of MIEMSS with the approval of the Governor.

Read the full press release for more information.